UHND.com - Notre Dame Football, Basketball, & Recruiting

...as outlined in this AI overview of the issue...hopefully, MAS doesn't have investments in 'For Profit Prisons'....This is a complex issue that involves young kids whose whole lives lie before them, so effort...and funding...needs to be invested in helping them get on the right path. Not every kid is born into an affluent, well-adjusted environment.

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AI Overview

Restorative justice practices in schools have shown significant success in reducing suspensions, expulsions, and improving school climate. Several schools, including Cole Middle School in Oakland and Fremont High School in Oakland, have reported substantial decreases in suspensions and increased student engagement after implementing restorative justice approaches. Furthermore, studies have indicated positive impacts on school climate, perceptions of safety, and even reductions in juvenile arrests outside of school.

Here's a more detailed look at the successes:

Reduced Suspensions and Expulsions:
Cole Middle School: Experienced an 87% decrease in suspensions and no expulsions after adopting a whole-school restorative justice approach, according to Princeton University.

Fremont High School: Reduced suspension rates by nearly 50% and saw increased enrollment despite district-wide declines, according to NGLC.

Denver schools: 17 schools saw a 40% decrease in out-of-school suspensions and an 82% decrease in expulsions.

Improved School Climate:

Restorative practices can foster a more positive and inclusive school environment, where students feel safer and more connected.
In Denver, schools experienced a 68% decrease in police tickets overall.

At Fremont High, students reported feeling more heard and respected, leading to stronger relationships with staff and increased trust.

Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline:
Restorative justice helps address the disproportionate impact of disciplinary actions on students of color, potentially disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline.
Studies suggest restorative practices can lead to a reduction in juvenile arrests, not just within school but also outside of school hours.

Student Engagement and Academic Achievement:
In Minnesota, restorative practices led to reductions in behavioral referrals and suspensions, along with increases in academic achievement in two schools.
Restorative justice does not negatively impact academic outcomes, according to Arnold Ventures.

Increased Student Responsibility:
At Uplift Community High School in Chicago, 98% of youth referred to peer conferencing felt restorative justice helped them take responsibility for their actions.

Building Positive Relationships:
Restorative practices emphasize building relationships and fostering empathy, which can lead to a more supportive and connected school community.
Students may feel more comfortable sharing their experiences and concerns, leading to a more positive and inclusive school environment.

A restorative circle can facilitate healing and resolution of conflicts between students, as demonstrated in the case of two boys who were able to reconcile and rebuild their friendship.

Positive Impact on Staff:
Restorative practices can also benefit teachers and staff by creating a more positive and supportive work environment.

A study of Lakeside School in Chicago showed that staff felt more empowered and supported in their roles, according to The University of Chicago.

While restorative justice has shown significant success, it's important to acknowledge that it requires commitment and training to be implemented effectively. However, the positive outcomes, including reduced suspensions, improved school climate, and increased student engagement, make it a valuable approach for creating safer and more equitable learning environments.
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